E5 Group's new property division launches two developments

E5 Group, the property company, has launched a new division called E5 Working in a bid to deliver much-needed investment in commercial property infrastructure.

E5 Working is launching with two new developments – one at Banbury in Oxfordshire and the other close to Junction 12 of the M5 in the south west.

Banbury will offer ten 1,000 sq ft units suitable for a range of small businesses, while the 289,000 sq ft M5 development will include four to five units ranging in size from 40,000 sq ft to 130,000 sq ft, designed to cater for logistics and manufacturing.

Both sites will feature energy efficient designs and achieve EPC A ratings.

E5 President Kevin Stevens said: "There is a huge shortfall of suitable modern commercial accommodation right across this country because of an ongoing lack of investment and our dysfunctional planning system.

"There is a particular shortage of smaller units suitable for SMEs which is preventing the growth and innovation we need to drive forward our economy."

Stevens previously built the Lear Group into one of the UK’s largest privately-held industrial landlords with a portfolio of nearly 1,000 units before selling the business in 2012.

"Our first two sites reflect E5's strategic emphasis on regional economicdevelopment, creating environments that cater specifically to the evolving needs of SMEs, thus driving local business viability and economic strength," he added.

"They are in fantastic locations, offer adaptability and flexibility, and will deliver the modern, future-proofed accommodation which has been in such short supply for too long.

"Commercial property needs are changing and the rise of internet shopping in the last 20 years has resulted in significant demand for logistics units located in the right place – such as the M5 which has great transport links.

"E5 Working is a natural, strategic development for the E5 group adding to E5 Living. There are further plans for the public sector with E5 Care and E5 Minerals, all of which are planned for the future," he added.

E5 won 'Best Property in the World' at the 2022 International Property Awards with a one-off villa in Majorca and is behind new high-quality residential developments in Grimsby and Lincolnshire.